Detroit fashion and tech ‘hackathon’ returns with virtual format

September 15, 2020
By Nick Manes

A group of coders, designers, artists, entrepreneurs and more will gather virtually later this month for the third annual Detroit Fashion + Tech Hackathon.

The event, scheduled for Sept. 25-27, “brings together creativity and technology to develop solutions to the problems facing the fashion and retail industries,” according to a news release.

The event is being co-hosted by Detroit-based digital consulting firm Whim-Detroit LLC and the Pure Michigan Business Connect initiative, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

“While industries are still uncovering the full impact of COVID-19, the crisis is providing an opportunity for unique innovation and more sustainable practices in fashion,” Lori McColl, founder of DF+TH and Whim, said in news release. “Not everything will be successful; however, this is a good time to test things out and develop a blueprint for moving forward, one of the guiding principles of the DF+TH.”

Officials with the MEDC say they’re hopeful the 36-hour event will prove helpful in connecting the state’s overall apparel, retail and high-tech sectors.

“The DF+TH is a unique platform that has always brought creative minds together in Detroit and demonstrates how their talents and businesses could grow and thrive here in the state,” Tanya Markos-Vanno, development and operations manager, for the MEDC’s Pure Michigan Business Connect, said in the release. “Now this annual event is moving virtual, providing opportunities for participants across the world to connect, meet mentors, and develop innovative solutions, showcasing how Detroit and Michigan play an important role in the growing apparel, retail, and high-tech fields globally.”

Registration for the $19 event can be completed on Eventbrite.